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Original poster

Magnolia tree advice please

17 replies

ladybird69 · 26/02/2019 22:38

I’ve just been given a bare rooted standard Magnolia tree. I need to know when I need to plant it and in what soil? Also what sized planter should I use? It’s a patio sized tree.
Thanks for any advice

OP posts:
Original poster
ladybird69 · 27/02/2019 15:41

Anyone have any advice?

OP posts:
Footle · 27/02/2019 18:23

Google the RHS site for advice

yamadori · 27/02/2019 18:32

Planting it now would be good. A container that is big enough to spread the roots out a bit (but not too gigantic a pot otherwise the soil at the bottom goes rank) with drainage crocks at the bottom, and I suggest 50% ericaceous compost / 50% John Innes No3. Top dress with some bark and keep lightly moist at this time of year, and well-watered if it is hot and dry. Perhaps placed somewhere not too windy and with a bit of shade in the afternoons. Alternate Growmore and fertiliser for ericaceous plants (follow instructions on packet) in about 6 weeks time onwards.

It will need re-potting after several years, and might need moving to a bigger pot then.

Use Provado vine weevil killer twice a year.

Hoopaloop · 28/02/2019 21:53

If it's bare root you need to get it in the ground now and water it daily. Chuck some woodchip mulch down to help conserve water, moderate temperature and control of weeds.

Trethew · 01/03/2019 03:28

Agree with yamadori but would advise caution not to overfeed. Magnolia roots are very sensitive, especially when young and containerised

Original poster
ladybird69 · 06/03/2019 02:02

Oh wow thanks for your helpful answers. I’m a beginner so really grateful I’ll go to local nursery and get some soil and plant it asap. Wine

OP posts:
peridito · 11/03/2019 08:51

@yamadori you clearly know your magnolia care ,can I highjack and ask what to about mine ?

I think it's a stellata ,but I'm not sure .It was given to me without a tag by a friend who has a stellata in her garden and knew I admired it . But she has since commented on seeing it that she thinks it's a different kind .

Anyway ,I've had a few years ( 5 ? ) and it looks very unhappy .It's in the ground , my soil is not good ,clay ,and although I planted it with ericacous soil I've not fed it or dressed it since Blush .

Now I've written that I guess I can advise myself .

What shall I do now ? My inclination is to dig it up ,maybe put it into a large container ?? I'm not sure where to put it in my garden TBH I wouldn't have bought it myself as I just can't think where it would go .

But ...you know ,getting rid feels like murder ( and it was such a kind gift ) . Though I guess I'm slowly killing .

What shall I do ????

PurpleWithRed · 11/03/2019 08:57

@peridito in all honesty, if you're not that fussed about it dig it up and rehome it via freecycle or a local facebook group. Someone will love it for you and you can have your space back. Magnolias are pretty tough once they get going so if yours isn't happy with you let it go somewhere it will be happier. Maybe buy yourself a nice little stellata in flower and keep it in a pot.

peridito · 11/03/2019 09:07

I think you're right Purple .

The friend who gave it to me has a very sick son so I think that's muddling my feelings . Irrational ,sure the magnolia is the last thing on her mind .

yamadori · 11/03/2019 13:50

@peridito in what way does it seem unhappy? And how big is it? And has it ever flowered? Is it in shade, or a sunny spot?

peridito · 15/03/2019 11:30

@yamadori I am so sorry for taking so long to get back to you Blush .Rude of me to ask for advice and then disappear! Blush

It's about 56cm high . In the summer it's leaves are sparse and tend to discolour ,yellowey if I remember correctly .

NanTheWiser · 15/03/2019 16:19

@peridito, if the leaves are yellowing, that's usually a sign of chlorosis - the soil PH is too high. It needs an ericaceous soil mix, if it's possible to provide that? It can also be a sign of waterlogged roots, too, but I'd be inclined to think it is a soil problem.

peridito · 15/03/2019 16:51

Thanks Nan ,I think I will be passing it on to someone but she is a bit busy at the moment .

Can I feed it with something or top dress it to correct the balance ? If I can ,when should I do It ?

NanTheWiser · 15/03/2019 18:00

Maybe an ericaceous feed would help, and you could do it now.

peridito · 16/03/2019 08:57

Thanks Nan I'll do that .

I have a couple of peiris in v v large containers - would you give them a feed as well ? They are in flower at the moment .I don't want to make them too wet ...although i suppose this wind from the west is warm and might be drying .

NanTheWiser · 16/03/2019 11:30

I don't think it would hurt to feed the Pieris, peridito, give it a go!

peridito · 16/03/2019 11:34

Thanks so much ...I tend to overdo things ,too much feed ,too much water so best to check .

Do rather apply the same m o to myself ....see Aldi cake recommendation creeping it to news about their plants !

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